Do Both Parents Have to Pay Child Support?

Both parents are financially responsible for their minor children in a Pennsylvania divorce or breakup. The noncustodial parent, or the parent who has the children less often, generally makes the child support payments to their ex. The primary custodial parent, however, contributes more directly by providing the children with food, clothing, and shelter. Child support is an important financial concern, and our experienced Harrisburg child support attorneys at McDonald Myers Law can help.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Pennsylvania

The State of Pennsylvania uses the income shares model for determining child support payments. While many factors can play a role in the outcome of each child support case, the primary concerns are each parent’s net income and the amount of parenting time each parent receives.

Often, one parent takes on the primary custodial role while the other has a visitation schedule with the children. When this is the case, the noncustodial parent generally has the child support obligation. And the amount they pay is usually calculated according to the following basics:

• Each parent’s income is established as a percentage of their total combined income. Let’s say, for simplicity’s sake, that the payor earns $6,000 a month and the other parent earns $4,000. In this case, the payor’s income is 60 percent of the $10,000 total.
• The total amount of child support owed for a combined income of $10,000 per month is determined according to Pennsylvania’s child support tables.
• The payor is responsible for covering 60 percent of the total child support obligation.
• The other parent’s custodial contributions are presumed to cover the other 40 percent.

When Parents Divide Their Time with Their Children Evenly

When parents share their time with their children more evenly or split parenting time right down the middle, it doesn’t necessarily mean that neither parent will pay child support. When parents have a 50/50 custody arrangement, the higher earner typically makes the child support payments.

If the payor has the children for 40 percent or more of their overnights, they can request a reduction in their child support payments. This 40-percent mark, however, won’t automatically support lower payments.

Ultimately, Pennsylvania courts consider each parent’s income and assets along with child-related expenses, which include any extraordinary expenses, in the calculation of child support. Judges have the discretion to deviate from state guidelines when there is a substantial reason for doing so.

Turn to Our Experienced Harrisburg Child Support Lawyers for the Help You Need

The calculation of child support can be a challenging legal matter, and it can play a significant role in your financial future, which makes having skilled legal counsel on your side key. Our knowledgeable Harrisburg child support attorneys at McDonald Meyers Law will spare no effort in our focused commitment to achieving an optimal case outcome on your behalf. Your case is important, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or give our firm a call at 717-704-9077 for more information today.